Santa Clara Azores vs Benfica Lisbon 26 October 2026 Prediction

Santa Clara hosts Benfica on October 26, 2026. Santa Clara has three wins, one draw and one loss in its last five matches, while Benfica has won four of its last five. Recent results and the head-to-head record favor the visitors.

Santa Clara has scored nine goals and conceded four over its last five matches. Its most recent game ended in a 3-2 loss to Mafra. Before that, Santa Clara beat Casa Pia 1-0, drew 0-0 with Braga, defeated Arouca 2-1 and beat Rio Ave 4-0. The results have been strong overall, but the Mafra loss raised concerns about the defense.

Santa Clara kept clean sheets in its recent home games against Braga and Rio Ave, though it did not create many chances in either match. Against Braga, it had eight shots, one on target and 0.55 expected goals (xG). Against Rio Ave, it scored four times from five shots and 0.67 xG. That level of finishing will be difficult to repeat. The attacking numbers were stronger against Arouca: 12 shots, five on target and 1.37 xG in a 2-1 win. Santa Clara can defend well, but it will need a better defensive performance than it produced against Mafra.

Benfica has four wins and one loss in its last five matches, scoring 13 goals and conceding five. Its last three games include a 4-1 win over Omonia Nicosia, a 2-0 win over Milan and a 3-1 loss to Porto. Against Omonia, Benfica recorded 23 shots, 10 on target, four big chances and 3.09 xG. It scored more than expected, but the underlying chance creation was strong.

Away from home, Benfica beat Omonia Nicosia and Milan, with its only loss in that stretch coming against Porto. It scored twice against Milan from 11 shots and 0.87 xG, another efficient finishing display. Against Porto, Benfica scored once from 1.07 xG, while Porto scored three times from 2.07 xG. Benfica averages 120.25 attacks and 67.38 dangerous attacks, compared with Santa Clara’s 84.88 and 39.38. It also holds a clear edge in average possession and corners.

Santa Clara vs Benfica: Stats and Trends

Benfica is unbeaten in its last five meetings with Santa Clara, with four wins and one draw. It outscored Santa Clara 11-3 across those games and scored in four of the five. The most recent meeting, on February 13, 2026, ended in a 2-1 Benfica win. Over the current sample, Santa Clara averages 1.5 goals scored and 0.5 conceded per game; Benfica averages 3 scored and 0.88 conceded. Santa Clara has three home clean sheets, while Benfica has won three away games without conceding. The head-to-head results and Benfica’s stronger attack support the visitors.

Santa Clara vs Benfica Prediction: Benfica to Win

Santa Clara has not conceded in its last two home games and rarely loses at home. Its attacking numbers are less convincing, though, and some of its higher-scoring results came from limited chances. Benfica has won four of its last five matches, scored 13 goals in that span and scored six across its last two away wins. It also creates more dangerous attacks and has won four of the last five meetings between the teams.

The main pick is Benfica to win. Its recent form, away results and head-to-head record give it the edge, while Santa Clara’s loss to Mafra leaves questions about whether it can contain Benfica’s attack.